A typical dental filling without insurance usually costs somewhere between about $100 and $400 per tooth , but the full range can be as low as around $50 and, for large or complex fillings, can climb to $600+ in many parts of the U.S. The exact price depends heavily on the material, tooth location, how big the cavity is, and where you live.

Quick Scoop

  • Most common range (simple fillings):
    • Amalgam (silver) fillings: roughly $50–$150 per tooth without insurance.
* Composite (tooth‑colored) fillings: roughly **$90–$250** per tooth; many offices quote averages around **$150–$450** depending on size.
  • Higher‑end / complex fillings:
    • Larger multi‑surface composite fillings can run $200–$600 or more.
* Porcelain, ceramic, gold, or lab‑made inlays/onlays can range from about **$700 up to well over $1,000+** in some markets.

What Really Affects the Price

  • Material type
    • Amalgam (silver): usually the lowest cost, often used on back teeth where appearance matters less.
* Composite (white): more natural‑looking and now very common, but more expensive than silver.

* Porcelain/ceramic/gold or lab‑made inlays/onlays: premium aesthetics or durability with premium pricing.
  • Size and surfaces of the filling
    • One‑surface fillings (small cavity in one spot) sit at the low end of the range.
* Two‑ or three‑surface fillings that wrap around or between teeth cost significantly more because they take more material and chair time.
  • Location & clinic
    • Big cities or high‑cost areas tend to be more expensive than small towns.
* Boutique or cosmetic‑focused practices may charge more than basic family clinics.

Approximate Cost Ranges by Material (No Insurance)

[7][3] [3][7][1][5] [7][9][5]
Filling type Typical cost range (per tooth) Notes
Amalgam (silver) $50–$150 Least expensive; common on back teeth.
Composite (tooth‑colored) $90–$250 (small); up to ~$450 for larger Matches tooth color; now very popular.
Porcelain / ceramic inlay/onlay ~$700–$1,200+ Lab‑made; used for bigger defects, more like partial crowns.

Ways to Pay Less Without Insurance

  • Ask for a cash discount or in‑house membership plan. Many offices offer lower “no insurance” or membership prices.
  • Check dental schools. Dental schools often provide treatment at reduced rates with supervision by licensed dentists.
  • Look at discount dental plans or payment plans. Some practices partner with savings plans or offer installment payment options to spread out the cost.

Bottom Line

If you are budgeting for a routine cavity, planning around $150–$300 per filling is a realistic ballpark for many U.S. offices without insurance, but small silver fillings can be cheaper and complex or premium‑material fillings can be much more. Always ask a local dentist for a written estimate, because geography and the specific tooth can easily shift you above or below these averages.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.